Pet Talk: A Guide About PDA in Dogs

It is worrying and needs instant medical attention when the canine patent ductus arteriosus occurs. Because of the severity of this health problem, it should not be ignored. Not all pet owners understand this condition; therefore, this article will help you become more knowledgeable about it.

What Is a Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Dogs?

Before a puppy is born, blood can bypass the lungs through ductus arteriosus. Generally, this vessel shuts not long after birth; nevertheless, when it does not, it is called a patent ductus arteriosus.

Lethargy, exercise intolerance, congestive heart failure, irregular cardiac rhythms, and also death can occur if a dog is not treated with the help of board-certified cardiologists. If the PDA is not addressed, they will suffer from congestive heart failure throughout the first year of their lives.

How Is It Diagnosed?

During a typical physical examination of your puppy, the veterinarian will likely identify a PDA if they hear a ‘continuous’ heart murmur. When a murmur is continuous, it lasts throughout each beat of the heart. Because it sounds like water being stirred in a washing machine, it is typically called a “machinery murmur” or a “washing machine murmur.”

A reputable veterinarian would recommend that your dog have laboratory tests, including chest X-rays, to check the heart and lungs. Electrocardiogram (ECG) is also essential to examine the heart’s rhythm. If irregular blood flow or low red blood cell counts affect other organs, this will be uncovered by a blood test.

After the preliminary tests are complete, the veterinarian will perform additional cardiology exams to verify the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment. If you want to learn more about these vital tests and exams, you can read more by visiting the vet’s website.

What Is the Treatment for PDA?

Closing the ductus arteriosus is the planned result of treatment. This can be done by open chest surgery (thoracotomy) or minimally invasive surgery (cardiac catheter). Although thoracotomies are more intrusive than other chest procedures, most dogs reveal no outward signs of discomfort after 1 to 2 days.

A minimally invasive strategy that usually results in patients returning home the next day is catheter-based occlusion, which involves sealing the duct with coils or a ductal occlude. Because it needs specific equipment, it isn’t an excellent selection for cats and smaller canines. That said, after a diagnosis is made, one of these two procedures needs to be done promptly.

Are There Any Surgery Risks?

While every effort is made to prevent issues and quickly manage them if they occur, you should still be aware of PDA surgery risk. General anesthesia, which is needed for PDA occlusions, is associated with dangers such as airway irritation, adverse medication reactions, and even fatality.

The risk of bleeding during the procedure is one more possible danger. Minor bleeding may need a blood transfusion, but severe bleeding can be fatal. If you wish to decrease problems, selecting a reliable animal hospital is ideal.

What Is the Success Rate of PDA Surgery?

If the problem is addressed before heart failure develops, chances for a normal, healthy life following surgery are good, and the success rate of surgical closure is high. The dog might need cardiac medication in the future if irreversible heart damage existed before surgery.

Unfortunately, dog health issues like patent ductus arteriosus can not be prevented. That’s why frequently taking your pet in for checkups is vital so that any health issues can be recognized and treated immediately.